ABSTRACT - The rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization has significantly increased the demand for faster, cost-effective, and sustainable construction techniques. Conventional construction methods, which rely heavily on on-site fabrication and sequential execution, often fail to meet these evolving demands due to longer construction durations, higher labor dependency, and increased material wastage. In this context, prefabrication technology, particularly Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB), has emerged as a transformative solution for rapid construction. This study investigates the effectiveness of PEB systems in comparison with conventional steel construction methods, with a specific focus on cost efficiency, construction time, structural weight, and overall project performance. The research is based on a detailed case study of an industrial shed project, incorporating quantitative data related to material consumption, fabrication, erection, and associated costs. A comparative analytical approach is adopted to evaluate the performance of both construction techniques. The findings indicate that PEB systems offer a substantial reduction in total project cost, approximately in the range of 18–20%, primarily due to optimized material usage, reduced labor requirements, and minimized wastage. Additionally, PEB construction demonstrates a significant decrease in project completion time, achieving nearly 40–50% faster execution compared to conventional methods. The use of lightweight, tapered structural members further contributes to a reduction in overall structural weight, enhancing design efficiency and reducing foundation loads. Furthermore, the study highlights the advantages of factory-controlled fabrication, improved quality control, ease of installation through bolted connections, and enhanced adaptability for future expansion. The results clearly establish that prefabrication technology, through PEB systems, provides a reliable, economical, and efficient alternative to traditional construction practices. This makes it highly suitable for large-scale industrial applications and future infrastructure development. Key Words: Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB), Prefabrication Technology, Rapid Construction, Structural Optimization, Cost Analysis, Time Efficiency, Industrial Construction, Steel Structures, Sustainable Construction, Construction Management.

The International Collaborative Writing Groups (ICWGs) offer a valuable platform for fostering collaboration, supporting SoTL project completion, and prioritizing inclusivity within the ISSOTL community. While the ICWGs provide numerous benefits, their success depends on effective leadership and a clear understanding of the groups’ goals. This article examines the experiences of the 2023 ICWG-Academic cohort, which focused on the theme “Context Matters.” By applying conceptualization of a landscape of practice, we explore the diversity, political nature, and flatness of the ICWGs. Our analysis highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the program, including the need for clearer guidelines, stronger leadership support, and greater emphasis on fostering interconnected communities of practice. We offer these recommendations with the aim to improve the ICWGs’ design and operation, ensuring their continued effectiveness and sustainability within the ISSOTL landscape.

Purpose Choosing the right contractor is very important for the successful management of construction projects, especially when it comes to road maintenance. In order to improve the contractor for road maintenance, this study aims to create a thorough and efficient multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model that goes beyond price-only assessments to include a wider range of criteria. Design/methodology/approach The study used both the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). There were six main groups of 26 sub-criteria: Contract Bid Price and Financial Capacity, Technical Capacity, Experience, Management Capacity, Safety and Environment. F-AHP was used to figure out how important each of these groups was compared to the others. TOPSIS was then used to rank possible contractors based on these weighted criteria. Findings The analysis showed that some criteria were especially important when choosing a contractor. Bid Price, Financial Performance, History of Non-Performance of Contracts, and Timely Completion of Projects were the most important factors in deciding whether a contractor was right for the job. These results show how important it is to use both financial and performance-related indicators when evaluating the appropriate contractor. Originality/value By addressing significant flaws in the conventional selection model, this study offers a fresh methodical approach to contractor evaluation. It provides a standard for enhancing the Roads Administration's procurement procedures and establishes a strong basis for upcoming studies and policy creation targeted at boosting accountability, efficacy and transparency in the execution of road maintenance.

Background: Walkability reflects designing of road infrastructure to encourage walking as a means for transportation. It demarcates the extent to which the built environment supports and encourages walking by providing safe, comfortable, accessible, and pleasant conditions. It is being increasingly recognized as a key component of sustainable urban development. In the context of rapidly populated and inadequately urbanized Indian cities, promotion of walkability can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, public health, economic vibrancy, and social equity. Objective: This paper investigates the influence of walkability on the sustainable development of Chennai City, the fourth largest metropolitan city of India and the largest in South India. Through a multi-dimensional approach, the study examines the interplay between pedestrian infrastructure, urban design, public health outcomes, environmental impacts, and socio-economic inclusivity. Methods: The research adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods, including field surveys, GIS-based spatial analysis, and stakeholder interviews, to assess the current walkability conditions in five distinct localities across Chennai: Mylapore, Anna Nagar, Velachery, T. Nagar, and Sholinganallur. Parameters such as sidewalk width and quality, pedestrian crossings, street lighting, traffic calming measures, and encroachment levels were analysed. Findings: Findings reveal significant disparities in walkability across neighbourhoods, with high-density and mixeduse areas generally faring better than peripheral or vehicle-dominated zones. One of the central findings of the study is the correlation between improved pedestrian environments and reduced vehicular dependency, which in turn contributes to lower carbon emissions and better air quality. Moreover, walkable environments promote physical activity, thereby addressing growing public health concerns such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues. Socially, walkable cities tend to be more inclusive, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and the economically disadvantaged, who rely heavily on non-motorized transport. Challenges and Recommendations: Despite the benefits, several challenges persist in Chennai's urban fabric that hinder walkability. These include poor maintenance of footpaths, unregulated street vending, encroachments by parked vehicles, insufficient shade, extreme heat, and fragmented governance over transport and land use. The study also highlights the need for integrated planning frameworks that bridge gaps between urban design, mobility planning, and policy implementation. Drawing insights from global best practices and successful Indian initiatives such as the Complete Streets project in Pune and the pedestrian zones in Bengaluru, the paper proposes a set of strategic interventions for Chennai. These include developing pedestrian-priority zones, implementing universal design standards, enhancing last-mile connectivity with public transport, introducing intelligent traffic signal systems for pedestrians, and launching public awareness campaigns to foster a walking culture. Conclusion: The research concludes that enhancing walkability in Chennai is both a feasible and necessary step toward achieving a more liveable, equitable, and environmentally responsible urban future. By reorienting city planning around human-scale mobility rather than vehicular traffic, Chennai can set a precedent for other Indian cities striving to meet the goals of sustainable urban development

This study investigated the experiences of constituents in the utilisation of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in Mufumbwe Constituency, Zambia, with the aim of assessing how community members engaged with CDF projects, identifying challenges affecting fund utilisation, and exploring strategies to enhance participation and effectiveness. The general objective was to assess constituents’ experiences in the planning, implementation, and oversight of CDF projects and provide recommendations for improving community involvement and project outcomes. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design to capture the lived experiences of 40 purposively selected participants, including community members, councilors, and district officials directly involved in CDF activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document review and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to participation, project management, and fund utilisation. Findings revealed that community participation in CDF projects existed but was inconsistent across wards, with some communities actively involved in planning and decision-making, while others experienced limited consultation. The study identified major challenges affecting the effective utilisation of CDF resources, including delays in fund disbursement, procedural inefficiencies in planning and procurement, low technical capacity of committees, political interference, and inadequate monitoring and follow-up. Despite these challenges, constituents expressed moderate satisfaction with completed projects, although concerns about sustainability, maintenance, and transparency were highlighted. Strategies to enhance community participation and effectiveness included increasing awareness and education on CDF processes, building technical capacity for local committees and leaders, ensuring timely and predictable fund disbursement, strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to improve project relevance and sustainability. The study concluded that while CDFs had the potential to support local development and empower communities, their impact was limited by governance and operational constraints. The findings provide practical guidance for local authorities, policymakers, and development practitioners seeking to enhance participatory governance, improve the management of CDF projects, and promote sustainable community development in Mufumbwe Constituency.

ABSTRACT Planning, Scheduling and estimation are essential for the successful completion of any construction project. This study presents the “planning, scheduling, and estimation of a G+2 residential building using AutoCAD and Primavera P6”. AutoCAD was used to prepare the building drawings such as floor Plans, Elevations, and structural layouts which formed the basis for quantity take-off and cost estimation. The quantities of materials and labour were calculated to prepare an approximate project estimate and Bill of Quantities (BOQ). Primavera P6 was then used to organize construction activities, assign durations, develop the project schedule, and identify the critical path. This helpful in effective time management, resource planning, and monitoring of project progress. The study shows that the integration of AutoCAD and Primavera improves accuracy, coordination, and efficiency in residential building construction. It also helps in completing the project within the planned time and estimated cost. Keywords: G+2 residential building, planning, scheduling, estimation, AutoCAD, Primavera P6.

Abstract— India has been rapidly developing homes and infrastructure for the last decade. Delays in building projects are prevalent and severely damage projects in numerous ways. Material shortages and delays in material availability are major causes of building project delays internationally. However, the major underlying reasons vary every country. The main source of material shortage is the origin or availability of materials. However, inefficient materials procurement and inventory management systems, as well as late identification of the materials needed, were revealed to be the leading causes of material delivery delays. The observations were supposed to help formulate or revise critical policies to ensure project completion on time. Cost overruns, time overruns, contract cancellation, arbitration, and litigation are studied successively. The increasing prevalence of project delays is directly influencing the timely delivery of construction projects. Corrupt practices, lack of quality materials, incorrect design, slow delivery of materials, slow approval and receipt of completed project work, improper site management and performance, late budget/fund release, and ineffective project planning and scheduling should be investigated as influential causes of delay. This study assesses the impact of construction delays and possible solutions. This project explores the impact of technological innovations on supply chain management, focusing on efficiency, decision-making optimization, and ethical and social implications. The objective is to evaluate how these innovations influence supply chain performance, considering various technologies and their implications. The study also addresses obstacles and opportunities in implementing these innovations. Special attention is given to the role of data analytics and real-time information in enhancing decision-making, highlighting potential benefits and drawbacks. The project concludes by examining the ethical and social repercussions of technology adoption in supply chain management. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the transformative effects of technology on supply chains, emphasizing key factors for successful implementation and ethical decision-making. Keywords—SCM, logistics, resources, CBA, Disputes, Material management, Technology-driven innovations, supply chain management, efficiency, challenges, opportunities, data analytics, real-time information, decision-making optimization, etc.

Scholarship is a requirement for Emergency Medicine (EM) residency training. However, there is limited understanding of the rigor and degree to which scholarly requirements are completed by EM residents. The objective of this study was to measure the proportion of residents that met the standards delineated by a newly-proposed rubric for EM resident scholarship assessment. This was a cross-sectional study of eight diverse EM residency programs. Each program collected data from their residents graduating in 2024 and assessed their scholarly project completion. The assessment utilized a previously-published rubric that evaluates the rigor of a resident's scholarly project based on six criteria: clear goals, adequate preparation, appropriate methods, verifiable results, presentation/dissemination, and reflective critique. Data were de-identified and combined to report the overall rates across programs. A total of 114 residents participated in the study (96.6%), of which 59 residents (52%) fulfilled all of the rubric-defined standards for resident scholarship. Of the six standards, setting clear goals (performed by 61%) and obtaining reflective critique (performed by 71%) proved most difficult to attain. Adequate preparation was done by 84%, methodology by 77%, results by 83%, and presentation by 99%. The median number of projects to fulfill all standards was one (IQR 0). Of the graduates in the eight programs, 45 (39%) presented an abstract at a conference and 31 (31%) published manuscripts during residency. We demonstrated that 48% of graduating residents in this pilot study did not complete the scholarship requirement as assessed by the rubric. This study highlights the need for clearly defined standards and highlights that the increased use of predefined standards for scholarship may enhance the educational value of this graduation requirement for EM residents.

As higher education institutions increasingly prioritise English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) to enhance internationalisation and equip students for specific professional roles, ensuring curriculum alignment with students' career needs becomes paramount. For preschool education major students, this necessitates mastering English proficiency tailored to kindergarten bilingual teaching contexts. Despite growing emphasis on EOP in higher education, limited research has examined how local cultural integration within hybrid project-based learning (HPBL) frameworks can enhance communicative competence among preschool education majors. This study employs needs analysis to investigate how integrating local culture within a hybrid project-based learning (HPBL) framework can address identified learner needs and enhance communicative competence. The study begins with a needs analysis to identify the specific linguistic, social, and cultural challenges learners face in real-world communication. Based on these findings, the pedagogical approach is developed by embedding culturally relevant content into project tasks, thereby increasing learner engagement and contextual relevance. These tasks are delivered through a hybrid project-based learning model, which combines face-to-face interaction with digital collaboration to create a flexible and supportive learning environment. Through this process, learners are guided to complete projects that require meaningful communication and cultural reflection. A qualitative needs analysis was conducted using open-ended questionnaires administered to 20 second-year preschool education majors. Data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings reveal strong learner support for integrating local folklore, classroom discourse practices, and culturally grounded teaching materials. However, existing curricula remain predominantly exam-oriented and linguistically focused, with minimal contextualisation to kindergarten teaching scenarios. The study contributes to EOP curriculum design by proposing a culturally responsive HPBL model that aligns vocational language training with localised pedagogical realities.

Abstract: Building materials cost has climbed to the top of the list of buying considerations when making construction purchases for many contractors increasingly, as material cost fluctuations are becoming a huge consideration that can potentially add to budgetary increases, delayed deadlines and a loss in profitability. Prices for raw inputs like steel and cement and other building items can be volatile due to a host of global and local economic factors, as supply chain disruptions, global tension, inflation, changes in demand. This paper aims for analysis of the effect of market volatility on civil project budget; the causes of material cost fluctuations; effects on construction projects and risk mitigation approaches. A detailed study of recent data illustrates how the presence of monetary unpredictability in the costs of materials is clearly related to such things as the budget planning and the completion of projects; this is done both from case studies of projects in various parts of the world. Results reinforce the impact of adaptive cost management strategies in enhancing predictability of steady financial conditions and their mitigating consequences to the civil projects.

Abstract Motivation Gender equality and women's health remain priorities, yet recent fiscal retrenchment and shifting geopolitical agendas have narrowed the space for gender‐transformative programming. Despite growing donor endorsement of gender‐transformative approaches, substantial gaps persist between rhetorical commitment and operational practice, particularly in women's health ODA. This raises a critical policy question: under constrained resources, which forms of gender‐focused health aid are most likely to generate meaningful and durable outcomes? Purpose This study examines how gender‐transformative approaches are operationalized within women's health ODA and asks two questions: how do women's health ODA projects integrate gender‐transformative principles in practice, and what combinations of institutional, programmatic and participatory features are associated with improved women's health outcomes? Approach and Methods The study analyses 100 completed women's health ODA projects funded by five bilateral donors (Australia, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Projects were coded across five dimensions of gender‐transformative practice: gender analysis, donor support, alignment with health needs, comprehensive health orientation, and community participation. A crisp‐set qualitative comparative analysis was applied to identify recurring pathways through which different combinations of these elements are associated with positive outcomes. Findings Successful projects combine three core elements: gender analysis, donor institutional support, and alignment with health needs, while comprehensive health approaches and community participation function as critical enhancers. Distinct pathways emerge across donors, reflecting different institutional logics; some emphasize system‐level health integration, while others rely on intensive community engagement. Policy Implications For donors, the challenge is not whether gender‐transformative principles matter but how they are combined in practice. Embedding gender analysis into institutional incentives, aligning projects with national health priorities, and strategically investing in systemic reform or participatory mechanisms can improve impact under fiscal and political constraints. Gender‐transformative health ODA is most effective when treated as a structural design choice rather than an add‐on.

This study examines the operational workflow and governance structure of Islamic donation-based crowdfunding, focusing on its alignment with Shariah principles and ethical financial practices. Islamic donation-based crowdfunding provides a faith-based mechanism for charitable contributions through digital platforms. Employing a qualitative document analysis approach, this research identifies four key stages in the end-to-end campaign process: project application, fundraising, post-campaign reporting, and fund disbursement. The findings show that campaign initiators begin by submitting proposals for platform approval, followed by public fundraising. Upon project completion, initiators are required to report on fund utilisation and outcomes. A notable feature of most platforms is that funds are disbursed directly to beneficiaries or service providers, rather than to project owners, reinforcing the principles of trust (amanah) and public benefit (maslahah) in Islamic finance. However, the study also finds inconsistencies in verification procedures and post-campaign accountability across platforms. It aligns with concerns raised by previous studies regarding the need for enhanced governance mechanisms. These variations highlight the need for a more standardized governance structure. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a unified, Shariah-compliant framework to enhance transparency, build donor confidence, and uphold the objectives of Islamic Law (maqasid al-Shariah), particularly justice (‘adl), social responsibility (mas’uliyyah), and social welfare.

The Zambian construction sector has been considered to be among the drivers of the economy, hence the proper utilization of cost control methods lead to the successful completion of construction projects. However, cost overrun is a major hiccup which main contractors meet. Hence effective cost control techniques are important in order to solve the problems of cost and time overruns in the construction industry. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to try and analyze the effective project cost control mechanisms utilized in the construction industry using a case of Namwala 33kV construction overhead lines. This study adopted a descriptive research design coupled with purposive sampling technique. In order to have an in-depth understanding, both quantitative and qualitative approaches were included in the questionnaires which were used as the main tool of data collection with a sample size of 50. Primary data collected were coded and analyzed with the help of micro soft excel and stata 14 as the data analyzing tool to ascertain the relationship between the project cost control mechanisms and project success. The established cost control mechanisms included Building Information Modelling-6% enhances the reduction of errors and improves cost estimation accuracy, Cost and Budget Estimations-24% improves project planning and resource allocation, Earned Value Management-26% suggesting its importance in project performance, Risk Management-6% helps to identify and mitigate risks, Value Engineering -18% for optimizing project value and reduces costs without compromising quality, Work Breakdown Structure-16% for decomposing project into manageable tasks thereby enhancing cost estimation, and Supply Chain Management-4% improves material procurement. The findings revealed that these cost control mechanisms are valuable tools which are effective for cost control, however, the study also analyzed challenges which affect the proper utilization of established cost control techniques which included challenges such as poor communication-24%, complexity in project scope-18%, lack of clear project objectives-16%, unforeseen site conditions-34%, changes in government policies-30%,and economic fluctuations-12%.

Effective management of construction projects encounters significant challenges, particularly due to frequent impacts influenced by climatic variables. Anticipating weather-induced impacts is crucial, and while various methods such as stochastic generators, productivity impact models, and machine learning tools are employed to model such gap, there remains a notable gap. Specifically, there is a lack of direct approaches that utilize easily accessible historical meteorological data to model impacts. This paper proposes a flexible non-parametric model designed to estimate the probability distribution of construction project completion times by incorporating meteorological information. The proposed model enhances PERT-based approaches by incorporating climatic effects to improve delay distribution estimation. This enhancement involves the direct modeling of productivity, coupled with the use of Monte Carlo simulation. A commercial version of the algorithm presented is currently part of a solution utilized in over 70 projects across the UK. The results demonstrate the model’s utility in forecasting optimal start dates, estimating project completion times, establishing contractual limits for expected weather-related delays, and analyzing critical paths within the project. Additionally, a mathematically rigorous tool for model comparison is presented, allowing for hyperparameter optimization and the selection of the most suitable prediction model.

Background and Objectives: Nurturing a research culture in family medicine practice enables identification of health problems and their solutions at the grassroots level. Mandatory research during family medicine residency can serve this purpose. The Saudi Board Family Medicine (SBFM) program in Qassim provides comprehensive research training and mandates the submission of a full research project for residency completion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the research training at the SBFM program in Qassim, applying Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model. Methods: We evaluated the research training of five cohorts, enrolled 2019 to 2023. To evaluate the research training, we analyzed the research course’s pretest/posttest, cumulative results, and satisfaction survey; residents’ perceived research skills; research project completion; and publication rate. We used descriptive and comparative statistics for data analysis. Results: During the years 2019 to 2023, 94 residents attended the research course. For all cohorts, the difference in the pretest and posttest mean scores was statistically significant, and the mean score of cumulative results exceeded 90%. The mean scores for perceived research skills increased after completion of the research course, and the level of satisfaction remained consistently high throughout the years. Among the three cohorts completing residency, 100% (n = 51) of the research projects were completed, and 45 (88%) were published in international, peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions: The research training has been successfully implemented, and the high publication rate demonstrates its impact on research productivity. The study highlights the importance of research training during family medicine residency in cultivating a research culture and promoting evidence-based practice in primary care.

Self-Building Project Manager Agent is an intelligent automation platform designed to streamline project initiation and resource aggregation using artificial intelligence. Leveraging large language models and integrated API systems, the agent autonomously collects and organizes essential project resources such as GitHub repositories, YouTube tutorials, relevant research papers, and contextual code snippets based on a user-specified project name and domain. The system also generates AI-assisted research papers summarizing the project’s objectives, technical methodologies, and literature support. A central feature of the platform is its personalized user dashboard, which enables users to log in, manage their generated projects, and securely download complete project packages as zip files. The platform integrates Fast API as the backend framework for handling API communication and authentication, while Next.js powers the dynamic, interactive frontend interface. Data storage and file management are supported through MongoDB and Grid FS, ensuring scalability and reliability in project archiving. By combining intelligent resource retrieval, AI-driven document generation, and fullstack integration, the Self-Building Project Manager Agent provides a unified workspace for students, researchers, and developers. The system effectively reduces the time spent in the preliminary stages of project development by automating research, data collection, and documentation. This innovation bridges the gap between ideation and implementation, enabling users to move from concept to executable prototype seamlessly.

Project delivery systems (PDSs) play a crucial role in determining a construction project’s success, yet their selection often relies on subjective judgements, leading to issues such as delays, cost overruns and quality deficiencies. While several tools have been developed to guide this decision, owner qualifications, available resources and project scheduling were often overlooked, despite their strong correlation with the PDS selection. This study proposes a decision support tool combining PDS selection and project scheduling through a multi-objective optimization model. The tool assists in assigning the most suitable PDS for each construction project while considering human resources and deadlines. The tool also includes both traditional and collaborative PDSs to align with evolving industry needs. A public infrastructure case study demonstrated the tool’s effectiveness by evaluating multiple scenarios and analysing the impact of PDS selection and scheduling decisions on the project completion. Results highlight the influence of owner preferences and project objectives on the outcomes, emphasizing the need to align decisions with project goals. By integrating PDS selection with project scheduling, this research fills a gap in the literature and offers a practical, data-driven approach to improving decision-making in construction project management.

Recognition of the importance and value of collaboration and involving stakeholders throughout the research process has given rise to the establishment of the Welsh Institute for Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS). Globally, formal collaborations between researchers and stakeholders to complete research projects, remains insufficient. Therefore, the primary aim of WIPAHS is to engage in long-term, forward-thinking collaborations that address practice-informed research questions, to disseminate findings widely, and translate them into practice and policy. This study explored the implementation and subsequent refinement of a national institute for physical activity, health, and sport. Through a qualitative exploratory design, thirteen, individual, semi-structured, online interviews were conducted with academic members of the WIPAHS Research Steering Group. The data were thematically analysed by the research team to identify themes and subsequently used to formulate a set of Principles of Working. Fifteen sub-themes were generated which led to eight Principles of Working emphasising national unity and the commitment to working collaboratively across all of Wales, UK, for the benefit of Wales. The role of collaboration in amplifying real-world impact was particularly highlighted; collaborative efforts between academics and stakeholders, underpinned by a clear structure and equal opportunities, were believed to facilitate a reduction in research duplication and optimal efficiency. Formalising the developmental process and the resulting Principles of Working provides a replicable blueprint for other academics to consider creating similar national institutes. This approach enables co-ordinated, systems-wide efforts to promote and advance health-enhancing physical activity and sport, offering a model for others seeking a comprehensive approach to achieve these goals.

Abstract Background Pill‐swallowing difficulty is common yet under‐recognised, and patients rarely seek or receive support from healthcare professionals. Lubricating jelly pastes are widely available in Japan, yet evidence for their effectiveness in pill administration remains limited. The PILL‐5 enables validated, self‐reported screening of clinically relevant pill‐swallowing difficulty. Aim This study aimed to explore whether a lubricating jelly paste reduced self‐reported pill‐swallowing difficulties using the Japanese version of the PILL‐5 questionnaire. Method In a pilot randomised, parallel‐group trial, 24 participants with PILL‐5 scores ≥2 were stratified and randomised 1:1 to one‐week pill intake using a lubricating jelly paste (IDDSI Level 4) (intervention group) or pill intake as usual (control group). The PILL‐5 was administered at baseline, Day 1, and Day 7. The primary outcome was change in total PILL‐5; between‐group differences were tested with the exact Mann–Whitney U test. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Review Committee of Fujita Health University (Reference no: HM20‐076; HM20‐619) and the study conforms with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants via the distribution of project information and completion of written consent forms. The study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN‐CTR) (Registration ID: UMIN000057324). Results The median PILL‐5 scores at baseline were 4.5 and 5.5 for the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.525). At Day 1, median scores were 3.0 and 4.5 in the intervention group and control group, respectively and on Day 7, median scores were 3.0 and 4.0 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. From baseline to Day 1, the between‐group median difference in change (intervention minus control) was 2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0–2, p = 0.037), indicating a greater reduction in the intervention group. On Day 7, the between‐group difference was 1 (95% CI 0–2, p = 0.119) and not significant. Conclusion Lubricating jelly paste use was associated with an early, self‐reported reduction in PILL‐5 scores at Day 1, with a significant between‐group difference. By Day 7, the between‐group difference was not significant, likely due to floor effects from low baseline severity. Future studies with stricter inclusion criteria and larger sample sizes are warranted to further clarify the potential benefits.

Addressing the Effects of Smoking on Cancer by Increasing National Access to Smoking Cessation Across Canada.